Representation and reform - the British House of Lords

from Roland Sturm

DOI: 10.36206/BP2023.01

The representational performance of the House of Lords is discussed according to the categories developed in the research. The question is therefore: How is representation organised in the British case (procedure)? Which groups in society are represented, both descriptively and symbolically (representation)? Which interests prevail (content)? The procedure for appointing the House of Lords proves to be incomplete and contradictory. It is emptied of content by an exuberant appointment practice. The Labour Party has announced a total overhaul in the event of an election victory. The chances of this happening are slim due to many unresolved issues and the low political priority of a House of Lords reform. The representation of women in the House of Lords remains relatively low and the idea of sanior pars is tenacious. It also has foundations in the improvement of the law by the House of Lords. The crossbenchers, i.e. the members of the House of Lords who do not belong to any party political camp, play an important role here. Although the appointment process can be organised along party political lines, the influence of the prime ministers has not yet been sufficient to turn the House of Lords into a purely party-political arena. It remains the case that the House of Lords is a reform construction site, even if the option of an elected House of Lords does not find a majority in any of the versions presented so far.